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First COVID-19 Related Fatality in Teton County

MEDIA RELEASE

Contact: Jodie Pond

Phone: 307-732-8461

Fax: 307-733-8747

Email address: jodie.pond@wyo.gov

For Immediate Release

First COVID-19 Related Fatality in Teton County, WY

April 23, 2020, Jackson, WY- A hospitalized Teton County man passed away from complications due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on April 22, 2020. The older male had pre-existing health conditions that put him at higher risk for more serious illness from the virus. The individual was transferred to an out-of-state hospital after becoming ill and testing positive for the virus. All identified close contacts, including co-workers, were notified during the Health Department’s case investigation and contact tracing. Because the individual was hospitalized for more than three weeks, any other potential contacts are outside of the two-week high-risk exposure period.

Dr. Travis Riddell, Teton District Health Officer, offers his condolences. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the friends and family of this individual. Though we have been preparing as a community for this disease as much as possible, we are never prepared for the death of a loved one.” He added, “In this time of physical distancing, it is essential that we support our community members as much as we can.”

Jodie Pond, Director of Teton County Health Department, wants to remind our community that, “it is imperative that we continue to flatten the curve in Teton County. Thank you to everyone who is doing their part. We are so grateful for all your dedication to our community’s safety and well-being.”

“We are currently monitoring where we are on our curve. While we are starting to see a plateau in the number of cases, we must continue to adhere to the current public health orders, recommendations and directives. As our community begins to plan the thoughtful process of re-opening, we must remember to continue to be vigilant, in order to avoid a dramatic surge of disease,” added Pond.

The Health Department reminds residents:

Follow current public health orders, which encourage staying home as much as possible.

Stay home when sick and avoid contact with other people unless you need medical attention.

Follow common-sense steps such as washing your hands often and well; covering your coughs and sneezes; and cleaning and disinfecting.

Wear cloth face coverings in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

If you have any of the following symptoms: cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches, loss of taste or smell, or any flu like symptoms, call your primary care provider or St. John’s Health for an evaluation: 307-739-4898, option 3.